Ankylosing spondylitis is a systemic automimmune disease and a crippling type of arthritis that affects the joints between the vertebrae of the spine. Besides the joints, lungs, heart, and eyes are often affected as the disease travels. Athletes Joined Against Spondylitis is a 501 c3 nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and funds for ankylosing spondylitis treatment and research, as there is currently no cure.